Falmouth
Overview
- Beaches - Points
of Interest - Schools - Chamber
of Commerce - Falmouth Lodging
Overview
 In 1660, a group of Congregationalists
from Barnstable established Falmouth after being ostracized for their
sympathy to Quakers. The Congregational Church, built in 1856, remains a town landmark on the village green. In the 1700s, the town green
was used for militia training.
Falmouth has grown rapidly in recent
years. However, the town has made a concerted effort to preserve its
remaining open spaces. Multi-use trails can be found in Goodwill Park
off Route 28, the Ashumet Holly and Wildlife Sanctuary off Route 151 in
East Falmouth, and Washburn Island on Waquoit Bay. The 3.3-mile Shining
Sea Bikeway begins at Woods Hole Rd. and runs all the way to the
Steamship Authority parking lot in Woods Hole. It winds through sections
of marshland, forests, lakes and cranberry bogs.
Woods Hole, a village of Falmouth, is home
to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI) (est. 1930), the
largest independent oceanographic research institution in the country.
Also located here is the National Marine Fisheries Service Aquarium,
featuring hands-on displays of crabs, starfish, snails, lobsters and
other sea creatures for children. In the summer, the facility also
operates an outdoor harbor seal pool.
During the summer, Woods Hole overflows
with scientists and graduate students from around the world. Tourists
also flock to experience this village's unpretentious seaside charm.
Beaches
Points
of Interest
- Woods Hole and WHOI - Woods Hole
has a college feel
to it, much due to the research facilities located at the Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institute (WHOI). Along with a bookstore, the village
also has craft galleries, restaurants and taverns. WHOI is the
one of the most recognized and prestigious marine research facilities
in the world. Follow the signs from Route 28 in Falmouth.
- National Marine Fisheries Aquarium
- This aquarium was founded to protect native Cape Cod sea life. The facility contains 16 display tanks of local ocean life from
lobsters to seals. Located on Water Street.
- Spohr's Garden - Botanicals and
lush greens abound in this three-acre estate. Wide paths wind
throughout the area, allowing visitors to intimately enjoy its
various flora. Located on Oyster Pond Rd.
- Nobska Light - This lighthouse
sits at the easternmost side of Wood's Hole Harbor. The
nearby Elizabeth Islands and Martha's Vineyard are well within view
of the stone-surrounded landmark. Built in 1828, it is now operated
by the Coast Guard.
- St. Joseph's Bell Tower/St. Mary's
Garden - This large bell tower rings three times a day: 7 AM,
noon, and 6 PM. The garden features a myriad of flowers and
other plant life. Located on Millford Street in Woods Hole.
- The Knob - A narrow outcropping
squeezed between a wooded bird sanctuary and rocky overlook of
Buzzards Bay. Until now a locals' secret, this spot has just
recently caught on with tourists. Located on Quissett Harbor Road.
- Ashumet Holly Reservation - A
showcase for foliage, flowers and wildlife. This 45-acre Audubon
Society Reservation is home to numerous bird species including
cardinals, robins and orioles. Located on Ashumet Road off Route
151.
- Bates House Museum - Katharine
Lee Bates wrote the popular patriotic hymn ‘America the Beautiful’
in this house. The two-story colonial structure is now home to a
Victorian parlor full of vintage books, photos and historically
significant documents. Located on Route 28.
- Friends’ Meetinghouse -
Constructed at the beginning of the 1800s, this structure was built
by Quakers fleeing religious persecution in Barnstable. After first
moving to Sandwich, they relocated to this final spot. The church is
open to the public every Sunday for worship. Located on Route 28
headed towards Woods Hole.
- Candle House - This stone block
structure, built in 1836, stores candle wax, wicks and scented
aromas. It also commemorates the booming whaling industry of years
ago with a plaque and historical literature. Located on Water
Road.
Schools
- Falmouth
Academy
7 Highfield Drive, Falmouth
- Falmouth High
School
874 Gifford Road, Falmouth
- Lawrence School
Lakeview Avenue, Falmouth
- Morse Pond School
323 Jones Road, Falmouth
- Mullen-Hall School
Main Street, Falmouth
- North Falmouth
School
Main Street, N. Falmouth
- Teaticket
School
Maravista Avenue, Teaticket
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